Unicorns Rally Past Beavers 6–3 at Jimmy John’s Field
August 13th, 2025
UTICA, Mich. – The Utica Unicorns (19-18) used a balanced offensive attack and strong bullpen work to defeat the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers (14-22), 6–3, on Wednesday night at Jimmy John’s Field.
After falling behind 3–0 in the top of the fourth, the Unicorns stormed back with a three-run rally in the bottom half. Andrew Valdez led off with a walk, and Austin Ochoa’s single set the table for a game-tying frame that included a bases-loaded walk by Ethan Krizen and an RBI single from Alex Harrell. A pair of wild pitches also allowed runs to score, swinging momentum in Utica’s favor.
The Unicorns added single runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings to seal the win. Jared Weber’s RBI single in the fifth gave Utica its first lead, and Chris Schoeller drove in a run in the sixth. Thomas Collins chipped in with an RBI single in the seventh for insurance.
The Beavers opened the scoring in the third inning when Ryan Maka’s RBI single plated Ben Wilcoxson. In the fourth, Nate Mensik tripled to drive in DJ Butler, and Wilcoxson followed with a run-scoring single to make it 3–0. But the Beavers’ offense was held in check the rest of the way.
David Owsik III (1–1) earned the win with 2.2 scoreless innings of relief, striking out four without issuing a walk. Damian Espinoza closed the door with two shutout innings for his second save. Dominic Hann (0–2) took the loss for the Beavers.
Notable Performers:
- Damian Espinoza (UU): Save, 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K
- Austin Ochoa (UU): 2-for-4, double, 2 runs scored
- Jared Weber (UU): 2-for-4, RBI
- Thomas Collins (UU): 1-for-4, RBI
- Ben Wilcoxson (BBB): 1-for-3, 2 stolen bases, RBI, run scored
- Nate Mensik (BBB): 1-for-3, triple, RBI, run scored
- David Owsik III (UU): W, 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 K